Kiwis heap praise on Jantjies

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Cape Town - Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies caught the eye of
New Zealand scribes in Round 2 of this year’s Super Rugby competition.

Jantjies was on song this past weekend when he helped the
Lions to an upset 36-32 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.

The New Zealand Herald took note of Jantjies’ performance
and named him their backline player of the week.

Summing up Jantjies’ performance, the Kiwi newspaper wrote:

“All eyes were on Aaron Cruden and his electric backline
when the Chiefs met the Lions in perfect conditions for running rugby in
Hamilton. But it was Jantjies and the Lions who made the most of the sun on
their backs, beating the Chiefs at their own game to earn a stunning victory.

“Sparked by halfback Faf de Klerk and their first five, the
Lions gained more metres and enjoyed more clean breaks than their fancied
opponents, with the halves pair stretching the Chiefs defence with incisive
running and slick passing. To top it off, Jantjies added 16 points with the
boot, including slotting one penalty from inside his own half.”

The Kiwis admitted they were surprised by the Lions’ performance.

“There was little about the Lions' ugly win over the
Sunwolves to suggest this performance was possible. But after finding their
footing against the Chiefs courtesy of a strong scrum and ascendancy in the
penalty count, the Lions unleashed in the second half to blow away the Chiefs
in an outstanding attacking effort. The Currie Cup champs must be taken
seriously if they can replicate that display.”